President,

I thank Secretary-General António Guterres for his briefing. Allow me to make four points. 

First, dialogue and negotiations remain the fundamental path forward. Recently, positive momentum has emerged in the dialogue and negotiations on the Ukraine crisis, with key parties holding a series of engagements and talks. However, significant differences remain in their positions and propositions. The parties to the conflict should intensify their efforts, demonstrate political will, show flexibility, and take seriously and address properly each other’s legitimate security concerns, so as to reach a comprehensive, lasting, and binding peace agreement at an early date. 

Second, promoting escalation is a pressing priority. At present, there are no signs of a halt to hostilities on the ground. The parties to the conflict continue to carry out large-scale drone and missile attacks, and substantial quantities of arms and ammunition continue to flow into the battlefield. China has consistently called for adherence to the three principles of no expansion of the battlefield, no escalation of the fighting, and no provocation by any party. We hope all parties will play a constructive role in deescalating the situation and in creating the necessary conditions for a ceasefire and cessation of hostilities at an early date. 

Third, alleviating the humanitarian crisis is a moral imperative. Civilians are the greatest victims of war. One more day of conflict brings one more day of suffering to the people. The parties to the conflict should exercise restraint, strictly abide by international humanitarian law, refrain under all circumstances from attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure, and avoid the use of WMDs. The international community should step up its humanitarian assistance efforts in order to help those affected by the crisis overcome their difficulties. 

Fourth, containing the spillover effects of the crisis is a shared responsibility. The crisis has taken a big toll on global economic development, with developing countries bearing the brunt. The international community should strengthen cooperation on issues such as food, energy, finance, trade, and protection of critical infrastructure, in order to jointly maintain the stability and smooth functioning of global supply chains. Abusing unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction under the pretext of the crisis does not contribute to a political settlement. On the contrary, it creates new problems and should therefore be rejected. 

President, 

Since day one of the crisis, China has been upholding an objective and impartial position, calling for a ceasefire and cessation of hostilities and advocating for peace talks towards a political settlement. Guided by the four shoulds put forth by President Xi Jinping, we have maintained close communication with the parties concerned, sent our special envoy for shuttle diplomacy, and together with Brazil and other countries of the Global South, initiated the Group of Friends for Peace in order to consolidate calls for peace, promote consensus on peace, and advance peace efforts. China stands ready to work with the international community and continue our constructive role for the early political settlement of the crisis. 

Thank you, President.